Psychiatric Tech Job Description

Psychiatric technician leading a group therapy session.

Group therapy allows clients to share experiences and learn from each other.

Psychiatric Tech Job Description: Psychiatric Tech's or
Psychiatric Technicians provide nursing care to mentally ill, emotionally
disturbed, or mentally retarded patients in psychiatric hospital or mental
health clinic and participates in rehabilitation and treatment programs: They
help patients with their personal hygiene, such as bathing and keeping beds,
clothing, and living areas clean.

Administers oral medications and hypodermic injections,
following physician's prescriptions and hospital procedures. Takes and records
measures of patient's general physical condition, such as pulse, temperature,
and respiration, to provide daily information.

Observes patients to detect behavior patterns and reports
observations to medical staff. Intervenes to restrain violent or potentially
violent or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required. Leads
prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic
procedures.

May complete initial admittance forms for new patients. May
contact patient's relatives by telephone to arrange family conferences. May
issue medications from dispensary and maintain records in accordance with
specified procedures. Job descriptions and work expected often mirror those of a
nurses aide.

Working Conditions

Generally the physical environment is clean, well lighted and
indoors. Psychiatric technicians are occasionally subject to aggressive or
violent behavior from their clients and are expected to be able to lift over 70
pounds as needed. Shift work and variable days are standard as the majority of
the positions are in psychiatric hospitals and inpatient settings.

Training and Qualifications

Most states require some formal
training from an accredited college or vocational program. These are usually one
year certificate programs. Prerequisites include chemistry, biology, and
psychology. Many behavioral or psychiatric technicians possess a bachelors degree.

Licensing and Credentialing

A licensure or state regulated certification of psychiatric
techs is only required in 4 states. A national certification is available
through the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians.

Significant Points About Psychiatric Tech Job
Description

Job opportunities remain higher than average for all
healthcare professions

This job may be more stressful due to potential aggressive or
violent clients

wages for this profession are at the lower end for healthcare
related professions

Advancement - chances for promotion

Limited opportunity for advancement exists as
this is considered an entry level career. Many techs seek further education and
become psychiatric nurses or other related healthcare professions.